Probate Services in Sacramento

Probate refers to the legal process that takes place after a person’s death to manage their estate, distribute assets, and pay any outstanding debts. A probate court supervises this procedure, ensuring that a registered process server notifies all parties involved, the deceased’s wishes are followed, and all debts are settled. The process can be complicated, depending on the estate’s size and any issues arising during the administration.

Probate becomes necessary when the deceased person’s assets reach a certain value or are not distributed through other means like a trust, beneficiary designation, or joint tenancy. Probate is required when the estate assets reach a threshold of approximately $190,000. A simplified probate process, “summary probate,” may be available for smaller estates that meet specific criteria.

If a deceased person made a will without a lawyer, the probate process begins with the appointment of an executor, who ensures that the estate is distributed as per the deceased’s wishes. The will is submitted to the probate court, which verifies its authenticity before granting the executor the authority to act on the estate’s behalf. The executor is responsible for managing the estate’s assets, paying debts, and distributing the remaining assets to the beneficiaries as outlined in the will. The probate court oversees this process, ensuring the executor adheres to the deceased’s wishes.

If a person dies without a valid will, the probate process is initiated to distribute their assets according to intestacy laws. The court appoints an administrator to manage the estate, who is responsible for similar duties as an executor. However, without a will, the distribution of assets follows a predetermined order based on the deceased’s family relationships. The probate court oversees the estate administration to ensure the administrator fulfills their fiduciary duty to the estate and its beneficiaries.

The time required for the probate process varies, depending on factors such as the estate’s size, the presence of a valid will, and the efficiency of the executor. Probate can take from several months to several years to complete. A simple, uncontested probate may be resolved within six to nine months. However, legal complications may require the assistance of an attorney, significantly prolonging the probate process.

Probate costs depend on the estate’s complexity and any disputes that arise during the process. Primary expenses include court filing fees, attorney fees, executor fees, appraisal fees, and bond premiums. Statutory laws establish executor fees based on the estate’s gross value, although actual costs may differ depending on the specific circumstances.

If you are looking for a solution to probate a will without expensive attorney fees, then our Legal Document Assistants can help you prepare, file, and serve the corresponding paperwork. However, a licensed divorce paralegal cannot provide legal advice or represent you in court.

Establishing a living trust – A revocable living trust allows assets to be transferred to the trust during the grantor’s lifetime, with a designated trustee managing the assets. Upon the grantor’s death, the assets are distributed to the beneficiaries according to the trust’s terms, bypassing the probate process.

Utilizing joint tenancy with the right of survivorship – When property is held in joint tenancy, the surviving co-owner automatically inherits the deceased’s share, avoiding probate.

Designating beneficiaries for financial accounts – Bank accounts, retirement accounts, and life insurance policies can be designated as “payable on death, allowing the assets to transfer directly to the named beneficiary without going through probate.

Using a small estate affidavit – If the deceased’s estate qualifies for small estate exemption, heirs may claim the assets using a small estate affidavit, thereby avoiding probate.